The Khaldruun continued sleeping, its massive form hidden by layers of stone and darkness, yet its presence pressed against their senses like a physical weight, settling on their shoulders and chests alike.
Breathing felt shallow, as if the air itself resisted being drawn in. They felt a dull pressure behind their eyes, the kind that came before a headache, while their jaws tightened without them realizing it.
Every breath any one of them took felt too loud. Every movement felt like a mistake waiting to happen.
Despite their courage being buffed using rune engraving, there was still fear to be felt just being near a monster that could wipe out the town above simply by moving.
It was Durik who made the first move. His grip tightened around the pickaxe, knuckles whitening as he tested his balance.
